Abstract
Background and Objectives: Nowadays, trauma causes a large amount of death and injury all over the world. Head trauma represents 80% or more of these injuries. It has proposed that the Zn supplementation could change the outcome of patients with head trauma. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of zinc supplementation on recovery trend of head injury.
Methods & Materials: In a clinical trial, 65 patients with head trauma were randomized in two groups; the case group consisted of 32 patients received 10 mg/day of ZnSO4 orally for 2 weeks; and the control group consisted of 33 patients just received placebo. These two groups were age and sex matched and all received conventional therapy, as well. The recovery trend and the nutritional condition were evaluated at the end of study and compared between two groups. After six months, GOS was determined and compared too.
Results: Mean of age in supplement group was (n= 32, 27 male and 5 female ) and placebo group 30.2±11.6 (n= 33, 28 male and 5 female) year. Laboratory results, GCS, subcutaneous fat thickness and mid-arm circumference were not significantly different between two groups on admission. At discharge, mean level of serum HCRP were significantly lower in the case group (p=0.047) than placebo group. There was no other significant difference regarding GCS, GOS, serum albumin and Zinc, subcutaneous fat thickness and mid-arm circumference between two groups (p>0.05). After six months follow-up, there were 9 (28.1%) and 7(21.2%) deaths in the case and control group, respectively (p=0.518).
Conclusion: Zinc supplementation in patients with head trauma significantly lowered the level of serum CRP comparing with placebo. No nutritional effect was seen in patients received Zn supplement and according to GCS and GOS changes, there was no benefit. Further studies are recommended to be carried out.